An investigation of members' roles in wind quintets

This article presents new findings regarding group processes inchamber ensembles. Following work by Young and Colman, Butterworth, andMurnighan and Conlon on the string quartet, a questionnaire was distributed towind quintets throughout the UK. A total of 55 respondents, representing 20ensembles, participated in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data revealedinformation about group formation, personnel recruitment and the use ofdeputies, leadership, seating positions, verbal and non-verbal communication,conflict, rehearsing and performing, audience effects, social aspects andadministration. The current study focuses on the role of the horn player in thequintet and explores players’ attitudes and perceptions of their individualcareers, quintet repertoire, concert promoters and string quartets as an opposingmedium. Results are discussed with reference to the existing quartet studies andto social psychological theory of group dynamics.